Blonde, brunette and black aside, alternative hair colour is all the rage on spring's runways and red carpets. Last season it was pastel coloured hair, this time around we saw bolder and more vibrant shades like orange, burgundy, red and blue come into play. Cleverly placed hints of colour can add dimension to your haircut. If you're convinced enough to play with colour, Delhi-based hair artist Rod Anker has some tips for you.

Runway to reality: While we draw every season’s trends from the looks presented on the runway, the hair and beauty doesn’t always translate that easily into real life. "Fashion on the runway and fashion on the street have to adapt, have to be a dilution, if you will, of the drama that’s on the ramp to become more wearable," says Anker.

Choosing a shade: "Bright reds and purples will always have a place in fashion,” says Anker, “But it all depends on the person and the kind of look you are going for. If you’re playing it safe then burgundys and purples would work and if you are after something a little bit out there then there are the pinks, the yellows and the oranges.” If you want to go bold, Anker says having dark hair might work to you advantage because “bright colours look brighter against dark hair."

Maintaining the colour: Bright hair colours fade quite easily. Before the pigment is applied, the hair is pre-lightened which opens the cuticles and deposits the colour. “To maintain the colour you need the cuticle to be closed,” explains Anker. He advises conditioning every time you wash your hair along with leave-in moisturisers and serums that close the cuticles. Frequent shampooing is not a problem he says, rubbishing the myth, as long you use the right shampoo for coloured hair. He recommends one that is sulphate-free and paraben-free as it’s much gentler on your hair.